Guide
Maryland Judgments & Liens Search at a Glance
In Maryland, money judgments come from the circuit courts and the District Court. A circuit court judgment is a lien on the debtor's land in that county once the clerk indexes and records it. Outside Baltimore City, a District Court judgment becomes a lien on land when the creditor files a Request to File Notice of Lien. UCC financing statements are filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
Always confirm the official record by ordering a certified copy from the originating office when accuracy matters for closing, refinancing, or litigation.
Guide
Where to search court judgments in Maryland
Maryland Judiciary Case Search gives public access to case records from the District Court and the circuit courts. Its judgments and liens index holds circuit court judgment records only; District Court civil judgment and satisfaction data is sold by subscription.
Guide
Where liens are recorded in Maryland
A money judgment indexed and recorded under the Maryland Rules is a lien on the debtor's land in the county where it was entered, and it can be made a lien in any other county the same way (Courts and Judicial Proceedings 11-402). A mechanics lien is not filed with a recorder: the claimant must file a petition to establish it in the circuit court for the county where the land is, within 180 days after the work is finished or the materials are furnished (Real Property 9-105).
Guide
Maryland UCC filings
The State Department of Assessments and Taxation has been Maryland's central filing office for UCC financing statements since July 1, 2001. Its online service files and searches UCC records. A filing of up to 8 pages costs $25, plus a $4.50 technology fee.
Guide
How long a judgment lien lasts in Maryland
A Maryland judgment is good for 12 years (Courts and Judicial Proceedings 5-102). To keep collecting after that, the creditor must file a request to renew the judgment while it is still valid. Once the 12 years have passed, the judgment has expired and can no longer be renewed.
Guide
Finding the debtor's assets after judgment in Maryland
Maryland provides discovery in aid of enforcement under Rule 2-633 in the circuit court and Rule 3-633 in the District Court: interrogatories to the judgment debtor, depositions, and an order directing the judgment debtor or another person to appear and be examined under oath before the court. The District Court form, DC-CV-032, Request for Order Directing Defendant or Other Person to Appear for Examination in Aid of Enforcement of Judgment, has the debtor examined under oath concerning any assets, property or credits of the debtor and can require the debtor to bring all papers, books and accounts relating to personal assets, income, expenditures, property, credits and business transactions; disobeying the order is punishable as contempt.
The court files help even though Maryland withholds the divorce Financial Statement under Rule 16-914. The judgment of absolute divorce, the incorporated settlement agreement, monetary award orders and QDROs are open at the Circuit Court clerk's office and show who kept which asset. A bankruptcy file in the District of Maryland lists deposit accounts by institution and the employer by name. The Maryland asset search page covers both.
Guide
Court forms and self-help in Maryland
The Maryland Judiciary explains how to collect on a judgment and lists the District Court forms for garnishment, writs of execution, notices of lien and satisfaction. Court Help Centers give free help to people without a lawyer.
Guide
Federal & National Authoritative Sources
By state
Judgments and liens in other states
Straight answers
Maryland Judgments & Liens Search, questions
How long is a judgment lien enforceable in Maryland?
In Maryland, a money judgment is enforceable as a lien for 12 years from the date it is entered or properly docketed. Creditors who want to extend collection beyond that period must file a renewal motion with the issuing court before the lien lapses. Read the Maryland statute.
What is the deadline for filing a mechanics lien in Maryland?
In Maryland, a mechanics lien (also called a construction or materialman's lien) must generally be filed within 180 days after the claimant last furnished labor or materials to the project. Different deadlines may apply to general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, so check the exact statute before relying on this window. Source: Maryland statute.
What property is protected from judgment creditors in Maryland?
Maryland protects a homestead, the debtor's primary residence, up to $31,575 in equity from forced sale by most judgment creditors. Personal property exemptions (motor vehicle, household goods, tools of trade, retirement accounts) are listed separately in the state code. Confirm the current amount on the official source.
Where do I file or search a UCC-1 in Maryland?
UCC-1 financing statements for personal-property collateral in Maryland are filed with the Secretary of State (or equivalent state filing office). Open the official Maryland UCC filing portal. Real-property liens (mortgages, judgment-lien dockets, mechanics liens) are recorded at the county recorder/clerk where the property is located, not at the state level.